NEW ORLEANS -- Zion Williamson broke his right foot in the summer, but should be able to play for the regular season, David Griffin, executive vice president of basketball operations at the New Orleans Pelicans, said Monday.
Griffin stated that Williamson had injured his foot in the offseason before summer league. He underwent surgery shortly afterwards to fix a fractured fifth metatarsal on his right foot.
Griffin stated that Griffin had treated Griffin's right foot fracture with surgery. Griffin stated that Griffin's timeline should allow him to return to the court during regular season. This is our hope and view. We are very optimistic about the outcome.
Griffin stated that he, Trajan Langdon, the general manager, and Aaron Nelson (vice president of player care & performance), met with Williamson to discuss a timetable for Williamson's return to play.
Griffin stated that Griffin was exercising on the court alone and was doing an amazing job. It's incredible what can happen when you look your best." Griffin said that Griffin was working out on his own before summer league, and suffered an injury while playing.
Griffin stated that Williamson was not present in Nashville for the past two weeks due to injury. However, players were able to meet there for informal training sessions. He stated that Stan Williams, the head strength and conditioning coach, has been there with him all along.
Griffin also stated that Williamson's rehabilitation has been "in lockstep with" the organization.
Griffin said that Williamson would not play during the preseason. However, Williamson will likely be more active during this time period to prepare for the regular season.
Griffin stated, "We are very confident about where we are at the moment and extremely confident about the future."
Willie Green, Pelicans coach, called Williamson's ability to perform during training camp "a progression."
He said, "A lot hydro work, doing a lot pool workouts and treadmill works in the pool." He will eventually get on the ground. It's progress. You guys can hold me accountable. We're optimistic that he will be able to start the season. It's all a matter of progression for him and his medical team.
Williamson played 24 games in his rookie season of 2019-20, but he didn't make it to the big leagues until January due to a knee injury. He was out for 13 weeks. Williamson's 2020-21 season was also cut short by a thumb injury.
Williamson's first two seasons have seen him average 25.7 points and shoot 60.4%.
